Chico State cross country teams win Triton Classic

It appears the Chico State men's cross country team is more than ready to defend its California Collegiate Athletic Association title and shoot for its 12th straight conference crown.

In their final tune-up before the CCAA meet, the Wildcats literally ran away with the UC San Diego-hosted Triton Classic on Saturday, taking top team honors while boasting the top six finishers and placing 14 runners in the top 20 in La Jolla.

The Chico State men, ranked No. 5 in the nation and first in the West Region, captured the Triton Classic's team title in the 8-kilometer event, totaling just 15 points and easily outdistancing second-place UC SanDiego.

Wildcats senior Alfonso Cisneros placed first, finishing with a course-record time of 25 minutes, 40.8 seconds. Right on his heels were teammates Johnny Sanchez and Isaac Chavez, who finished second and third, respectively, with times of 25:40.9.

The next three finishers were also wearing Chico State colors. Aaron Thomas (25:52.2) came in fourth, Phil Graber (25:56.9) placed fifth and Alex McGuan (26:01.08) finished sixth.

The Chico State men return to action Saturday, Oct. 26, hosting the CCAA Cross Country Championships at Bidwell Park's Hooker Oak Recreation Area.

WOMEN

Triton Classic

Chico State won the 6-kilometer race in the Wildcats' final meet before the CCAA championships, led by Ayla Granados in first place in La Jolla.

Chico State, ranked sixth in the nation and No. 2 in the West Region, totaled 33 team points to edge host UC San Diego and finish well ahead of the six other competing schools.

Granados was the first of the 100-runner field to cross the finish line, clocking in at 22 minutes, 6.8 second, while teammate and All-American Sara Mikesell (22:30.1) came in second.